Portable-type information apparatus

ABSTRACT

A notebook type personal computer has a common connector detachably connected to a mating connector of a connection unit, or replicator, which further has plural connectors affording detachable connections to plural peripheral units. One or more fastener units, carried by the connector unit, provide for detachably but rigidly affixing the connector unit to the notebook type personal computer. An alternative connector box accommodates one or more batteries while affording connections through the common connector and the plural first connectors to peripheral units and yet another alternative connector box houses only batteries and is connectable through a mating connector to the common connector of the personal computer to afford extended operating time.

[0001] The subject application is a continuation of application Ser. No.09/879,115 filed Jun. 13, 2001, now pending; which, in turn, is acontinuation of application Ser. No. 08/885,857 filed Jun. 30, 1997, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,411,503 issued Jun. 25, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a portable-type informationapparatus such as a notebook-type personal computer or a word processor,particularly to a portable-type information apparatus which is largelyimproved in extendability and portability.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Recently, miniaturization of portable-type informationapparatuses such as notebook-type personal computers has beensignificantly accelerated due to the rapid progress of electronictechnology, whereby the user can always carry the information apparatuswith him even outside the office.

[0006] Information apparatuses, particularly notebook type personalcomputers, have often been provided with various connectors for theconnection of external keyboards, mice, external CRTs, printers orothers, for extending the functions thereof.

[0007] Since recently marketed notebook-type personal computers havealready been miniaturized in size and weight to a large extent, it isdifficult to further improve the portability without sacrificing theextendability.

[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide areasonable and economical information apparatus of a portable typeimproved in operability and portability without deteriorating theextendability, based on a novel technical idea.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a portable-typeinformation apparatus having an information apparatus body comprises adetachable connector unit provided with a plurality of connectorsadapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units and with at leastone connector adapted to be detachably connected to the informationapparatus body; connection means provided on the information apparatusbody, for the connection between the connector unit and the informationapparatus body; and a detachable battery unit containing at least onebattery and having substantially the same size as that of the connectorunit; and wherein the battery unit and the connector unit canalternatively be connected to the information apparatus in substantiallythe same connecting position relative to the information apparatus body.

[0010] Preferably the battery unit is connected to the informationapparatus body through the connection means. Also, preferably, couplingmeans are provided to transmit electrical power from the battery unit tothe information apparatus body. Preferably, at least one fastener unitis mounted between the information apparatus body and the connector unitaffording mechanical detachable fixation therebetween. Also, preferably,the connector unit is mechanically detachably fixed to the informationapparatus body through said at least one fastener unit. Preferably, theconnector unit and the battery unit are alternatively detachably fixedto the back side of the information apparatus body.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, aportable-type information apparatus having an information apparatus bodycomprises a detachable connector unit provided with a plurality ofconnectors adapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units andwith at least one connector adapted to be detachably connected to theinformation apparatus body connection means provided on the informationapparatus body, for the connection between the connector unit and theinformation apparatus body; and a detachable battery unit containing atleast one battery and having substantially the same size as that of theconnector unit, said battery unit being connectable to the informationapparatus body through the connection means.

[0012] Preferably, coupling means is provided to transmit electricalpower from the battery unit to the information apparatus body. Also,preferably, at least one fastener unit is mounted between theinformation apparatus body and the connector unit for a mechanicaldetachable fixation therebetween. Preferably, the connector unit ismechanically detachably fixed to the information apparatus body throughsaid at least one faster. Also, preferably, the connector unit and thebattery unit are alternatively detachably fixed to the back side of theinformation apparatus body.

[0013] According to further aspect of the invention, a connector unitadapted to be detachably connected to a portable-type informationapparatus having an information apparatus body comprises a plurality ofconnectors adapted to be detachably connected to peripheral units; atleast one connector adapted to be detachably connected to theinformation apparatus body; and at least one battery enclosed therein tosupply electrical power to the information apparatus body.

[0014] Preferably, connection means are provided for the connectionbetween the connector unit and the information apparatus body andwherein coupling means is provided to supply electrical power from saidat least one battery to the information apparatus. Also, preferably, atleast one fastener unit is provided between the information apparatusbody and the connector unit for a mechanical detachable fixationtherebetween. Preferably, it is detachably fixed to the back side of theinformation apparatus body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] These and other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of the preferredembodiment of the invention, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

[0016] In the drawings:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a notebook type personal computeraccording to one embodiment of the present invention, in an open state;

[0018]FIG. 2A is a perspective view as seen from a front side, and FIG.2B is a perspective view as seen from a rear side, of the comparator ofFIG. 1, illustrating the relationship of a connector box relative to thepersonal computer;

[0019]FIG. 3A is a rear view, FIG. 3B is a top view, FIG. 3C is a frontview and FIG. 3D is a leftside view, of the connector box;

[0020]FIG. 4 is an enlarged side sectional view of a main part of afastener;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a plan view of a connector box accommodating batteriestherein;

[0022]FIG. 6 is a plan view of a battery pack.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present invention will be described in more detail below withreference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attacheddrawings.

[0024]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a notebook-type personalcomputer 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Withreference to this drawing, the personal computer 1 consists of a lowerhousing 5 which is built in a main circuit board carrying a CPU or othercomponents, and having a keyboard 3 on the upper surface thereof, and anupper housing 9 coupled, in a hinged manner, to an edge portion(innermost side) of the lower housing 5 and having a liquid crystaldisplay 7 in a central area thereof. The upper housing 9 is folded ontothe lower housing 5 to form an integral case convenient fortransportation.

[0025] On the operator's side relative to the keyboard 3 extending inthe central area of the upper surface of the lower housing 5, there isprovided a palm rest section 11 wherein a pointing device 13 of a balltype is provided at a center thereof.

[0026] A hinge section 15 is provided along the innermost edge of thelower housing 5, farthest from the operator's side beyond the keyboard3, for coupling to the upper housing 9 while leaving an upper surfacevacant space 17 of about 20 mm wide between the hinge section 15 and thekeyboard 3.

[0027] In a central region of the upper surface vacant area 17, asuspend/resume key 21 is provided. The suspend/resume key 21 has afunction of interrupting the supply of electric power to electronicparts, including CPU and those relating to the output/input, except formemories, so that the power consumption in the personal computer isrestricted (i.e., limited) to a lower level than a normal operatingpower consumption level.

[0028] The liquid crystal display 7, of a rectangular shape and largesize is provided in a central area of the display surface of the upperhousing 9. Generally in a lower area of the upper housing beneath theliquid crystal display 7, a so-called state-displaying section 31 isprovided in a central region which confronts the suspend/resume key 21of the lower housing 5 when the upper housing 9 is closed (folded) tothe lower housing 5. A sound output section 33 having a number of smallapertures is provided on both sides of the state-displaying section 31.

[0029] The state-displaying section 31 has a function of visuallydisplaying whether or not a predetermined electronic device, internal orexternal to the personal computer is operative or inoperative, andbasically consists of an elongated liquid crystal substrate 35.

[0030] The rear surface of the lower housing 5, has none of the variousconnectors for connection to external keyboards, mice, external CRTs orprinters which usually are provided in the conventional notebook typepersonal computer, and, instead, a specially designed common connector51 which is a combination of the above-mentioned connectors as a singleunit is provided. Therefore, a space in the lower housing which would beoccupied by these connectors in the conventional computer isunnecessary, and thus, miniaturization of the personal computer ispossible. Further, two or more common connectors (not shown) may beprovided.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the common connector 51 on the rearsurface of the lower housing 5 (of the personal computer 1) is adaptedto be detachably connected to a connector section 55 provided on arectangular front surface of a connector box 53 (which is also called aport replicator) so that the connector box 53 is detachably mounted tothe rear surface of the lower housing 5.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3A, the connector box 53 is provided withvarious connectors CN on the rear surface thereof, which would becarried on the conventional personal computer.

[0033] The connector section 55 on the front surface of the connectorbox 53 consists of a terminal having 60 pins and a pair of guide pins 57on both sides thereof for facilitating the connector engagement. Theguide pins 57 are engageable with corresponding guide holes (not shown)provided at corresponding positions in the lower housing and alsofunction as grounding connectors.

[0034] On both sides of a front wall of the connector box 53 areprovided a pair of fasteners 61 for reliably fixing the connector box 53to the rear surface of the lower housing 5.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the fastener 61 basically consists of athreaded rod 63 so as having a thread at a tip 30 end, a main body 65accommodating the threaded rod 63 so as to be movable in the axialdirection and coupled to the threaded rod 63 to be rotatable therewith,and a compression coil spring 67 mounted within the main body 65 forbiasing the threaded rod 63 outwardly. An enlarged disk 69 having aknurled periphery is provided in the main body 65.

[0036] When the fasteners 61 are attached to a predetermined position onthe opposite sides of the connector box 53, the thread of the threadedrod 63 partially projects outwardly from the front surface of theconnector box 53, and the enlarged disk 69 partially projects outwardlyfrom a rectangular window 73 formed in a recess 71 of the respective endwall of the connector box 53 (see FIGS. 3B, 3D). Since this projectedamount is actually very small, the knurled periphery looks as if it issubstantially flush with the end surface of connector box 53.

[0037] During the attachment of the connector box 53 to the personalcomputer 1 (i.e., to the lower housing 5), the connector section 55,provided on the front surface of the connector box 53, is engaged withthe common connector 51 on the rear surface of the personal computer 1so that the rear surface of the personal computer 1 and the frontsurface of the connector box 53 are wholly or substantially brought intosurface-contact with each other. At this time, the threaded rods 63projected from the respective sides of the front surface of theconnector box 53 just confront female thread sections (fasteningsections) 77 (see FIG. 2B) provided at corresponding positions on therear surface of the personal computer 1. More specifically, the threadsection of the threaded rod 63 is pushed into the main body 65 against abiasing force of the compression coil spring 67 in the main body 65 ofthe fastener 61, while being fittingly in contact with the female threadsection 77 (that is, while maintaining a state to be easily engageablewith the female thread 30 section 77).

[0038] Then, the operator manually rotates the enlarged disk 69, usingthe knurled periphery thereof, through the window 73 of the recess 71provided on the respective end surface of the connector box 53, in arequired direction (selected in accordance with the thread direction),whereby the threaded rod 63 rotates therewith to completely screw thethreaded rod 63 (thread section) into the female thread section 77.

[0039] As described above, since the fastener structure is adapted sothat the movable threaded rod 63 is biased outwardly and rotated by theoperation of the enlarged disk 69, the fastening operation of thefastener 61 is carried out very easily in a mechanical manner.Similarly, the removal of the connector box 53 is also facilitated.

[0040] According to this embodiment of the above structure, sincevarious connectors usually provided in the conventional personalcomputer are removed, it is possible to miniaturize an outer size of thepersonal computer, whereby the portability thereof is greatly enhanced.Instead of the removed connectors, a connector box 53 is prepared, whichis capable of being electrically coupled in a very simple manner to thepersonal computer by a single engagement connection (between the commonconnector and the connector section 55). Also, according to thecharacteristic structure of the fastener 61 provided on the respectiveside of the connector box 53, mounting/dismounting of the connector box63 can be safely and reliably carried out. Thus, there is noinconvenience in the utility and operability of electric wiring orarrangement.

[0041] Another type connector box 83 may be provided as shown in FIG. 5,wherein cylindrical rechargeable batteries B for the extension arelongitudinally accommodated in a central space of the interior of theconnector box. On the other hand, power supply lines are provided bothin the common connector of the information apparatus body and theconnector section 55 of the connector box 83. The arrangement of thevarious connectors CN, common connector, fastener or others arebasically the same as those in the above connector box 53, and thereforethe explanation thereof will be eliminated herein.

[0042] According to the above connector box 83 with batteries, theoperative time of the personal computer can be prolonged (for example,by about 1.5 hours if three batteries B are accommodated) to facilitateboth the portability and the extendability.

[0043] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a so-called 5 (extension)battery pack 93 may be provided alternative to the connector boxes 53and 83 described above, which has generally the same profile and size asthose of the connector box 53, but has none of the various connectors CNas are provided on the rear surface of the connector box 53 in FIG. 5.Instead of the various connectors, batteries B are accommodated in theinterior thereof.

[0044] When the battery pack 93 is used, although thefunction-expendability inherent to a connector box is lost, theoperative time of the personal computer is greatly prolonged (forexample, by about 3 hours if six batteries are accommodated), whichfacilitates the portability of the personal computer 1.

[0045] Since the battery pack has substantially the same profile andsize as the connector boxes 53, 83, it is favorable in appearance andconvenient in storage.

[0046] The connector box 53, the connector box 83 with batteries and thebattery pack 93 can be alternatively mounted to the personal computer 1,which provides various systems constructed by the personal computer andperipheral devices thereof, and widens the user's choice.

[0047] While the above-mentioned embodiments are limited to theapplication of the present invention to a personal computer, the presentinvention should not be limited thereto but may be effectivelyapplicable also to other portable-type electronic apparatuses such as aword processor.

[0048] As described above, according to the present invention, it ispossible to provide a very reasonable and economical portable typeinformation which is improved in operability and portability withoutdeteriorating the extendability More specifically, according to theportable type information apparatus since a plurality of connectors ofvarious kinds for the extension are removed, the apparatus can beminiaturized in size and reduced in weight. In spite of the removal ofsuch connectors, the extendability is not deteriorated because of theprovision of a common connector for coupling a connector box to thepersonal computer. If a fastening section is provided, the rigidfixation of the connector box becomes possible to enhance the stabilityand the mechanical strength. If a connector section of a connector boxwith batteries is coupled to the common connector, the operative timecan be prolonged without deteriorating the extendability. If a batterypack is used, the operative time can be further prolonged. If theportable information apparatus is a notebook-type personal computer, theimprovement in extendability and operative time enhances the utility ofthe personal computer.

[0049] Also, the connector box according to the present invention iseasily handled and can be mounted to the portable type informationapparatus in a simple manner, resulting in an improvement inextendability of the portable-type information apparatus and a reductionin the weight thereof. If a fastener is provided, the connector box canbe rigidly fixed to result in favorable stability and mechanicalstrength. If a battery is provided, it is possible to prolong theoperating time without deteriorating the extendability.

[0050] Further, according to a battery pack of the present invention, afurther prolongation of operating time of the portable type informationapparatus is available. Since the battery pack is mounted to theportable type information apparatus alternatively to the connector box,various options can be adopted in accordance with the desired uses.

[0051] It is to be understood that the invention is by no means limitedto the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein, and thatvarious modifications thereof may be made which come within the scope ofthe present invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector unit detachably connectable to aninformation apparatus, said connector unit comprising: a plurality ofconnectors for extension of said information apparatus; a correspondingconnector connectable to a connector on said information apparatus; twofixing members affixing said connector unit and said informationapparatus, said two fixing members being arranged on said connector unitsuch that said corresponding connector is positioned in a region betweensaid two fixing members; and a holding part to hold a battery.
 2. Theconnector unit of claim 1, wherein said battery is chargeable.
 3. Theconnector unit of claim 1, wherein said battery supplies an electricpower to said information apparatus.
 4. The connector unit of claim 3,wherein the electric power is supplied from said battery to saidinformation apparatus through said corresponding connector.
 5. Theconnector unit of claim 1, wherein said corresponding connector isarranged on one side, and said plurality of connectors are arranged onthe opposite side.
 6. The connector unit of claim 1, wherein saidcorresponding connector is a single common connector.
 7. The connectorunit of claim 1, wherein said fixing members of said connector unitcomprise fasteners.
 8. An information apparatus, comprising: a bodyhaving a main circuit board arranged therein; a connector unitdetachably connectable to said body and comprising: a plurality ofconnectors for extension of said information apparatus, a correspondingconnector connectable to a connector on the body, two fixing membersaffixing said connector unit and said information apparatus, said twofixing members being arranged on said connector unit such that saidcorresponding connector is positioned in a region between said twofixing members, and a holding part to hold a battery.
 9. The informationapparatus of claim 8, wherein said battery is chargeable.
 10. Theinformation apparatus of claim 8, wherein said battery supplies electricpower to said body.
 11. The information apparatus of claim 10, whereinthe electric power is supplied from said battery to said body throughsaid corresponding connector.
 12. The information apparatus of claim 8,wherein said corresponding connector is arranged on one side, and saidplurality of connectors are arranged on the opposite side.
 13. Theinformation apparatus of claim 8, wherein said corresponding connectoris a single common connector.
 14. The information apparatus of claim 8,wherein said fixing members of said connector unit comprise fasteners.15. The information apparatus of claim 8, wherein said body comprises anotebook type personal computer.
 16. An information apparatus detachablyconnectable to plural peripheral devices, comprising: a body having amain circuit board therein and a first common connector having pluralsets of connection terminals therein, each set being designated forconnection to a respective said peripheral unit; a connector unitdetachably connectable to said body and comprising: a plurality ofconnectors on a first portion of said connector unit, each of theplurality of connectors having a set of terminals therein designated forconnection to a respective peripheral unit, a second common connector ona second portion of said connector unit, the second common connectorhaving plural sets of connection terminals therein respectivelycorresponding to the plural sets of connection terminals of the firstcommon connector and detachably connectable thereto, each set ofterminals of the second common connector being electrically connected tothe respective set of connection terminals of a corresponding connectoron the first portion of the connector unit, and two fixing membersdetachably affixing the connector unit to the information apparatusbody, the two fixing members being arranged on the connector unit suchthat the second common connector is positioned in a region of the secondportion of the connector unit between the two fixing members.
 17. Aninformation apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the connector unitfurther comprises: a holding part to hold a battery.
 18. An informationapparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein: the first and second portionsof the connector unit comprise spaced forward and rearward sidewalls;and the two fixing members extend from the connector unit beyond theforward sidewall thereof for engaging corresponding engaging elements inthe rear wall of the body of the information apparatus.
 19. Aninformation apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein the second commonconnector is positioned between the two fixing members.
 20. Aninformation apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the plurality ofconnectors on the first portion of the connector unit are positionedbetween the two fixing members.